Brendan Mitchell
Brendan Scott Mitchell, 38, of S. Burlington passed away October 9, 2012 at Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington, VT. The son of Roger G. Mitchell and Karen P. Mitchell (Nelson), Brendan was born on August 2, 1974 in Long Branch, NJ. He leaves behind his mother Karen, sister Kim, brother-in-law Peter Koniuto, nephew Clive, grandmother Gladys H. Mitchell, and many beloved cousins, uncles, and aunts; special friends Kirsten Stein and Jacob Didyoung; and a god-daughter. He is pre-deceased by his father Roger, his grandfathers Gene H. Mitchell and Charles S. Nelson, and his grandmother Shirley Nelson. In childhood Brendan lived in New Jersey, Colorado, Montana, and Texas before his family settled in Westford VT, where he attended elementary and middle school. In 1993 Brendan graduated from Essex Junction High School, and he attended Johnston State College from 1993-1995, where he studied psychology. Brendan loved art and music, and had significant talents in both. As a visual artist he had an imaginative eye that captured intricate detail in pen and ink. Like his father and both grandfathers before him, he was a woodworker, and made many practical and impractical objects with skilled hands and a quirky sensibility. Brendan was an accomplished guitarist, and had wide tastes in music. By far, his favorite musician was Bruce Springsteen. He became an avid fan of The Boss in childhood, and remained so his entire life. Devoted to animals, Brendan became the caretaker of a menagerie of cats, fish, and spiders. He had a magical way with plants, which he nurtured lovingly. Brendan’s offbeat sense of humor and his mischievous streak won him many loyal friends; his warm smile and many kindnesses kept them. Brendan faced significant challenges in his short life, but time and again he picked himself up from the blows he suffered to move forward with positivity. In his final days he displayed extraordinary courage and strength of spirit, inspiring awe and pride in those who were with him. Like his father, Brendan loved the music of John Denver. During Brendan’s last day with us, and after his passing, his family made many red hawk sightings. It is fitting, then, that the red-winged raptor in Denver’s song “The Eagle and The Hawk” exemplifies Brendan’s restless and hopeful spirit: I am the hawk and there’s blood on my feathers But time is still turning, they soon will be dry. And all of those who see me, all who believe in me Share in the freedom I feel when I fly. Come dance with the west wind and touch on the mountain tops, Sail o’er the canyons and up to the stars. And reach for the heavens and hope for the future And all that we can be, not what we are. Be at peace now, beautiful soul. We’ll look for you in the sky. A memorial service will be held at 2pm on November 3rd at All Souls Interfaith Gathering at 291 Bostwick Farm Road in Shelburne. Donations in Brendan’s memory may be made to the Chittenden County Humane Society.Obituary
Brendan Scott Mitchell, 38, of S. Burlington passed away October 9, 2012 at Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington, VT. The son of Roger G. Mitchell and Karen P. Mitchell (Nelson), Brendan was born on August 2, 1974 in Long Branch, NJ. He leaves behind his mother Karen, sister Kim, brother-in-law Peter Koniuto, nephew Clive, grandmother Gladys H. Mitchell, and many beloved cousins, uncles, and aunts; special friends Kirsten Stein and Jacob Didyoung; and a god-daughter. He is pre-deceased by his father Roger, his grandfathers Gene H. Mitchell and Charles S. Nelson, and his grandmother Shirley Nelson. In childhood Brendan lived in New Jersey, Colorado, Montana, and Texas before his family settled in Westford VT, where he attended elementary and middle school. In 1993 Brendan graduated from Essex Junction High School, and he attended Johnston State College from 1993-1995, where he studied psychology. Brendan loved art and music, and had significant talents in both. As a visual artist he had an imaginative eye that captured intricate detail in pen and ink. Like his father and both grandfathers before him, he was a woodworker, and made many practical and impractical objects with skilled hands and a quirky sensibility. Brendan was an accomplished guitarist, and had wide tastes in music. By far, his favorite musician was Bruce Springsteen. He became an avid fan of The Boss in childhood, and remained so his entire life. Devoted to animals, Brendan became the caretaker of a menagerie of cats, fish, and spiders. He had a magical way with plants, which he nurtured lovingly. Brendan’s offbeat sense of humor and his mischievous streak won him many loyal friends; his warm smile and many kindnesses kept them. Brendan faced significant challenges in his short life, but time and again he picked himself up from the blows he suffered to move forward with positivity. In his final days he displayed extraordinary courage and strength of spirit, inspiring awe and pride in those who were with him. Like his father, Brendan loved the music of John Denver. During Brendan’s last day with us, and after his passing, his family made many red hawk sightings. It is fitting, then, that the red-winged raptor in Denver’s song “The Eagle and The Hawk” exemplifies Brendan’s restless and hopeful spirit: I am the hawk and there’s blood on my feathers But time is still turning, they soon will be dry. And all of those who see me, all who believe in me Share in the freedom I feel when I fly. Come dance with the west wind and touch on the mountain tops, Sail o’er the canyons and up to the stars. And reach for the heavens and hope for the future And all that we can be, not what we are. Be at peace now, beautiful soul. We’ll look for you in the sky. A memorial service will be held at 2pm on November 3rd at All Souls Interfaith Gathering at 291 Bostwick Farm Road in Shelburne. Donations in Brendan’s memory may be made to the Chittenden County Humane Society.
Events
02:00 PM
SHELBURNE, VT 05482